of Midlothian, TX

June 15, 1940 - February 17, 2026

James Carey Williams (Jim) of Midlothian, Texas, went to his heavenly home to be with his Lord and Savior on February 17, 2026. He was born on June 15, 1940, to Dr. H. E. and Beatrice Williams in Memphis, Tennessee. He graduated from Walnut Ridge High School in 1959 and earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Southern Baptist College (now Williams Baptist University), a two-year college founded by his father. He then attended Ouachita Baptist University, graduating in 1963 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He later obtained a Master of Education degree from the University of Missouri in St. Louis in 1968.

He married the love of his life, Pamela White, in 1962, and together they built a life dedicated to serving others through education and the church. Jim served as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent in various Arkansas school districts, including Marion Public Schools, Dumas Public Schools, Fordyce Public Schools, and Mena Public Schools. Developing and implementing one of the first public school kindergarten programs in 1972 was one of his proudest educational achievements. During this time, he co-authored an ''Oral-Language'' program under the direction of the U.S. Department of Education. He was selected to appear before the Committee on Education and Labor, U.S. House of Representatives, to speak on behalf of the educational needs of children; served on the Governor's Council for statewide kindergarten in 1973; was appointed by Governor David Pryor to the Governor's Council of Early Childhood Development Study Committee in 1975; served on the Board of Directors of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development in 1975; and was chosen as the Outstanding ASCD member by the Arkansas ASCD Study Committee.

In 1977, God called him to share his educational experience as a full-time Minister of Education at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church in Little Rock. He continued serving in several other churches, including First Baptist Baton Rouge in Louisiana, First Baptist Church of Oak Cliff in Texas, and First Baptist Church of Horn Lake, Mississippi. During this time, he was selected to serve on the Brotherhood Commission Executive Committee. He remained faithful in serving the churches where they lived. He enjoyed spending time with his family, playing golf, and working on little projects around his home. Jim will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his dedication to Christian education, and his lifelong commitment to serving both church and community.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Martha Nicholas; and his brother, Steve Williams.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Pamela Williams of Midlothian, Texas; daughter, Carrie Sharp (David) of Arkadelphia, Arkansas; son, Scott Williams (Kim) of Midlothian, Texas; four grandchildren, Ashlee Sharp of Frisco, Texas, Chad Williams (Maddie) of Midlothian, Texas, Jordan Sharp (Jessica) of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, and Brooke Williams of Midlothian, Texas; and four great-grandchildren, Braylen, Bowen, Beckham Williams, and Graham Sharp.

A memorial service will be held at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home in Little Rock on February 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A family visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 a.m. A private interment will be held at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Williams Baptist University, https://williamsbu.edu/give/

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com